X (2022) Review – A Solid, Gory Throwback
Directed by: Ti West
Starring: Mia Goth, Jenna Ortega, Martin Henderson, Brittany Snow, Owen Campbell, Stephen Ure and Scott Mescudi
Synopsis: In 1979, a group of young filmmakers set out to make an adult film in rural Texas, but when their reclusive, elderly hosts catch them in the act, the cast find themselves fighting for their lives.
Review: X doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is—a throwback to a classic era of horror. The movie is shot to look like it was lifted out of the 1970’s; it’s got that Texas Chainsaw Massacre vibe.
The movie follows a small group of amateur filmmakers attempting to make it BIG by making a X-rated movie (no pun intended). Travelling to a remote farm, they begin to make their X-rated movie in a rented cabin.
Something doesn’t feel right
From the moment that our unsuspecting victims arrive at their location, an uneasy feeling sets in. Firstly, their host, Howard, greets them with a shotgun and hostility, and his wife, Pearl, gazes out the window, giving Norman Bates-esque. Alarm bells should be ringing now.
Director and writer, Ti West manages to create a story that gives us time to engage with each character before leading up to the blood-soaked finale.
Not for the faint-hearted
Once the slaughter begins, any squeamish viewers may want vacate the premises as things get very gory, very quick. The first attack is graphic and from this moment onwards, the movie treads into the stalk-and-slash genre that horror fans love.
Not a flop
The performances in the movie are top-notch. Mia Goth, Brittany Snow and up-and-coming ‘scream queen’ Jenna Orteg (American Carnage) are solid female leads, while Martin Henderson, Owen Campbell and Scott Mescudi play memorable male leads.
As well as the 70s porn scenes, the cheesy porn storylines are brought in, and the dialogue is hilarious.
“My car broke down, can I use your phone” – The opening line of their homemade movie, The Farmers Daughter.
Overall, X is a fun horror/slasher movie which pays homage to a classic era of horror. Ti West uses the slow-burn method from the likes of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1976) to build up the story, the characters and the suspense until the third act when carnage begins. All actors and actresses deliver standout performances which helps excel the story and keep the audience invested. Gore-hounds will be satisfied with the bloodshed and the final blow will have the audience cheering.
